Liveblogging from FC2008

I’m now at the plenary about The Race Debates. We’re watching a video clip of all the talking heads who said, now that we have an African-American president, America is no longer racist, and we’re post-racial now. Terry Keleher is the Moderator.

Can we address race using class or universal frames? Kalpana and Shannah will debate

Kalpana: we need to build the broadest coalition possible, let’s appeal to self-interest. Used Montana as example. Invoked Obama and “change.” Don’t move against public opinion.

Shannah: won’t go away by pretending it’s not there. Universal healthcare for kids gets chopped away by selecting out groups little by little. We cut out people by appealing to the majority. When we lead with grace, we expand the base. We need to speak on it to se who our allies are. It’s about playing offense.

This was spicy! In my group are (just from my visuals and member comments) two white women who were activists since the 60s, a 20ish Asian American woman, and this 30ish Black women

Kilpana’s rebuttal: “we’re on the same side.” “We didn’t do our jobs, if we lose our campaigns.” “poor people are sicker than rich people”

Shannah: let’s think long-term, not short term. Refuse to let go of the racism. White people won’t think about racism unless they’re made to.

Discussion

Kalpana was very charismatic and dangerous

Collette Kieth mentions, in Native American issues, how racism can shut down a conversation

Malkia Cyril brings up Prop 8 and the No on 8 campaigns, how relationships change

We need to consider what is lost when we give up conversations on race; just because we don’t talk about it, doesn’t mean it’s not at play

Wow, I think I’m on a high with this! Could be the bubble black tea, though. Can’t front.